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Street tinker
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Street tinker
Knives to grind. Street trader. From Old London Cries (1885) Date: 1885
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Media ID 14165741
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Peter & Dawn Cope Collection
1885 Cries Grind Knives Tinker Trader
Knives to Grind. Street Tinker,
EDITORS COMMENTS
from Old London Cries (1885) Date: 1885 This evocative image captures the daily life of a street tinker, a common sight in the bustling streets of Old London. The tinker, with his worn and weathered face, is intently focused on sharpening a collection of knives on the makeshift grindstone at his feet. The grime and grit of the city are evident in the rough texture of the cobblestones, the worn-out clothing of the tinker, and the smoky atmosphere that surrounds him. The Old London Cries series, of which this image is a part, was created by English photographer Thomas James Crawshay in the late 19th century. The series aimed to document the various street traders and criers who plied their wares in the streets of London, providing a snapshot of the city's rich history and cultural diversity. The tinker, with his mobile trade, was a common figure in the streets of Old London. He traveled from place to place, offering to sharpen knives, scissors, and other bladed tools for a small fee. His presence was a reminder of the importance of practical skills and the resourcefulness of the urban population in a time before modern conveniences. This photograph is a valuable historical record of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the people of Old London and the trades that sustained them. The gritty realism of the image, with its focus on the textures and details of the scene, invites the viewer to explore the stories and histories hidden within the streets and corners of the city.
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